MORE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO BE DELIVERED
Dr Balakrishnan congratulated the Qatari prime minister for his “assiduous and painstaking efforts” in securing the ceasefire, noting that it would enable “a surge in the delivery of humanitarian assistance” to areas affected by the war.
Over the past year, Singapore has donated more than S$18 million (US$13.2 million) and six tranches of humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians, he said.
He added that Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohamad Maliki Osman will visit Jordan to present a cheque to a charity organisation, while Singapore will send further humanitarian supplies to the Palestinians.
“It is important for us to continue to remember that there are people in parts of the world who need help, and need it desperately. We will continue to support the Palestinians,” he said, adding that Singapore will continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority.
The minister also reiterated that Singapore supports and hopes for a two-state solution.
“That is the only way we are going to have a comprehensive, just and durable peace between these two peoples who are going to be permanent neighbours, and do deserve to be able to live in peace, security and dignity,” he said.
Echoing his words, Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli said that many have suffered from the tragedy.
“Through the conflicts, Singapore has always emphasised the need for access to humanitarian aid, and it’s not been able to deliver it effectively thus far,” said Mr Masagos, who is also Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs.
“In delivering (aid), we want to alleviate the suffering (of) the population … and now with the pause in hostilities, we are very hopeful that now aid can be delivered (in a timely manner) and earnestly.”
Source: CNA
